Journal of Nursing and Public Health Research

Effectiveness of Transformative Learning for Critical Thinking among Second-Year Nursing Students in Principles and Techniques of Nursing Practice

2023-10-18T09:18:36+07:00

This quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design aimed to examine the effectiveness of transformative learning for critical thinking among second-year nursing students in principles and techniques of nursing practice. Participants were second-year nursing students undergoing practical hospital training from October 2021 to May 2022. Seventy participants were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. The research tools included a transformative learning program for critical thinking using Merzirow's 10-step teaching process (Merzirow, 2000), The data collection instrument was the Critical Thinking Assessment Scale, with a Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of 0.89. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Paired t-test.

The research findings indicated that the critical thinking scores of participants in terms of self-control in thinking were at a high level. The scores for interpretation, evaluation, and analysis were moderate. Additionally, the scores for the summary of references were at a low level. Upon comparing the mean scores of critical thinking before and after receiving the transformative learning intervention, it was found that after receiving the intervention, participants showed a statistically significant increase in average scores of critical thinking (p-value < 0.05). This suggests that the implemented transformative learning program, based on Merzirow's 10-step framework (2000), has contributed to developing thorough and analytical thinking among nursing students. Therefore, promoting transformative learning programs in higher-level nursing practice training is advisable to enhance students' confidence and effectiveness in patient care.

The Relationship between Mental Health Literacy Resilience and Depression in Students at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University

2023-11-13T10:51:26+07:00

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health knowledge, resilience, and depression among students of Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. Participants comprised 684 Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University students. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of general information and depression assessment, with a reliability coefficient of 0.82, mental health knowledge assessment with a reliability coefficient of 0.94, and resilience assessment with a reliability coefficient of 0.98. Data analysis employed both correlation and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

The study revealed that, in the past 2 weeks, 35.23% of participants experienced depression. Most participants had overall mental health knowledge was predominantly low (Mean = 1.11, S.D. = 0.38), whereas the level of resilience was predominantly high (Mean = 2.61, S.D. = 0.49). The results of the correlation test revealed a statistically significant moderately negative correlation between resilience and depression (r = -0.33, p-value < 0.001), a statistically significant low positive correlation between mental health knowledge and depression (r = 0.14, p-value < 0.001), and a statistically significant low positive correlation between mental health knowledge and resilience (r = 0.08, p-value < 0.001). This study can serve as foundational data for designing activities to promote mental health knowledge and resilience in order to prevent depression among university students.

Effect of Pneumonia Prevention Program in Children on Knowledge, Health Belief and Behaviors Regarding Pneumonia Prevention in Karen Mothers, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province

2024-01-29T16:38:20+07:00

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of a pneumonia prevention program for children on knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors regarding pneumonia prevention among Karen mothers in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province. Sixty Karen mothers with children under 1 year old were selected for convenience and divided into an experimental group and a control group of 30 each. The research tools included a pneumonia prevention program for children of the Karen ethnic group and a mother's handbook on pneumonia. Data collection tools consisted of a general information questionnaire, a pneumonia knowledge test, a health belief questionnaire, and an assessment of mothers' demonstrated behaviors in preventing pneumonia in children under 1 year old. Descriptive statistics analyzed general data. Compare the outcomees before and after attending the program within the group using the Paired t-test and between groups using the Independent t-test.

The results showed that after participating in the program, the experimental group had significantly higher average scores in pneumonia knowledge than before attending the program and higher than the control group (p-value < 0.001). The experimental group also had significantly higher average health belief perception scores than before attending the program and higher than the control group (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, it was found that the experimental group demonstrated good average scores in pneumonia prevention behaviors. Therefore, health personnel can apply this program to prevent pneumonia in children of Karen mothers in Omkoi District or adapt it for use in other areas with similar sample groups.

Depression Treatment Programs for Thai Adolescents in Schools: Meta-Analysis

2023-09-12T08:51:17+07:00

The objective of this research was to study the characteristics of research on depression treatment programs for Thai adolescents in schools and to compare the characteristics of research that has effect size values. The research synthesized includes experimental or quasi-experimental studies on depression therapy programs for Thai adolescents in schools. The studies were sourced from two databases: the Thai Journal Citation Index Centre (TCI) and the ThaiLIS database. The quality of the research was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool, with overall bias rated as low and sufficient for calculating effect sizes. Thirteen studies with thirteen effect size values were included, covering research conducted between 2001 and 2020, involving a total of 584 adolescent participants. The average effect size was analyzed using the Meta-Essentials program.

The results showed that the distribution of the use of depression treatment programs for Thai adolescents in schools had high effect sizes, ranging from -0.63 to -4.93, with an average effect size of -1.57 and a 95% confidence interval of -2.22 to -0.92. The treatment programs were found to vary in their effectiveness at reducing depression. The top three programs with the highest effect sizes were life skills training programs, emotional management programs, and programs focused on consistency in worldview. Therefore, it is recommended to improve and develop high-effect-size treatment programs in an integrated manner to effectively reduce depression among adolescents in schools.

Factors Affecting Blood Pressure Level Control in Patients with Hypertension

2024-03-29T14:51:36+07:00

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the factors affecting blood pressure control in hypertensive patients receiving services at the Hypertension Clinic, Nakornping Hospital, Chiang Mai Province. Participants consisted of 294 hypertensive patients selected by simple random sampling. The research instruments used were a personal data and health condition questionnaire, a risk behavior assessment form for hypertension, a stress assessment form, a social support assessment form, a health service accessibility assessment form, a hypertension knowledge test, and a perceived risk assessment form for hypertension complications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine relationships.

The results showed that the majority of the participants, 54.08%, were female, aged between 56-75 years (Mean = 60.17, S.D. = 15.15). 63.27% were able to control their blood pressure levels. Factors affecting blood pressure control included having a normal body mass index (AOR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.10-3.32), having moderate risk behavior from consuming sweet, fatty, and salty foods (AOR 3.31, 95% CI: 1.72-5.70), engaging in physical activity for at least 30 continuous minutes per week (AOR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.18-3.93), having a high level of social support (AOR 3.40, 95% CI: 1.15-10.07), having a high level of knowledge about hypertension (AOR 4.10, 95% CI: 1.90-8.50), and having a high perception of the risk of hypertension complications (AOR 3.41, 95% CI: 1.01-11.44). Therefore, healthcare providers should assess these factors to develop guidelines for improving the care of hypertensive patients. This will help patients adopt healthier behaviors to control their blood pressure, leading to a reduction in the number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Effects of Using Isan Folk Music on the Quality of Sleep in Infants

2024-03-01T11:26:20+07:00

The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of using Isan folk music on the sleep quality of infants. Participants consisted of healthy infants aged between 1-3 months, whose mothers received postpartum check-ups at a community hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima province. A purposive sampling method was used to select 40 participants, divided into a control group of 20 infants who did not receive Isan folk music and an experimental group of 20 infants who were exposed to Isan folk music for 20 minutes per session. The research instruments included Isan folk music, a general information recording form for the mothers and infants, and an infant sleep recording form. The infants' sleep was recorded at home using video between June and August 2023. General data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the mean sleep quality outcomes of the experimental and control groups were compared using the Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U Test.

The research results found that Isan folk music had effects on quality of sleep as follows: 1) the average sleep duration of the experimental group was significantly longer than the control group (p-value < 0.001); 2) the average respiratory rate during sleep of the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (p-value < 0.01); 3) the average heart rate during sleep of the experimental group did not differ from the control group (p-value = 0.07); and 4) the average peripheral oxygen saturation levels during sleep of the experimental group did not differ from the control group (p-value = 0.40). Therefore, families or caregivers should be encouraged to use Isan folk music to help promote better sleep quality in infants. Moreover, this study provides a basis for further review and development of using Isan folk music to promote sleep quality in infants with colic and sleep problems.

Guidelines for Reducing and Quitting Smoking According to Buddhist Principles: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Chiang Mai Campus

2023-09-14T11:33:59+07:00

The objectives of this qualitative research article were to: 1) study the causes of smoking among students at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), Chiang Mai Campus, and 2) propose guidelines for reducing and quitting smoking based on Buddhist principles for MCU students at the Chiang Mai Campus to the public. Data collection was carried out using secondary data through a literature review related to the causes and factors of smoking. Additionally, the process included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews about the guidelines for reducing and quitting smoking with five administrators, teachers, and staff, as well as 18 MCU students. The data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The study results were divided into two issues: 1) the concepts of the causes of smoking among MCU Chiang Mai Campus students, which included imitation, the desire to try, peer influence, social activities, and cultural traditions in some communities; and 2) the proposed guidelines for reducing and quitting smoking according to Buddhist principles for MCU Chiang Mai Campus students and the public. The findings indicated that Buddhism could be utilized for the development of the body, precepts, mind, and wisdom. This included: 1) physical development through proper training of the five senses, virtuous actions, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the physical environment; 2) moral development by fostering beneficial relationships within the social environment and promoting cooperation with others; 3) mental development aimed at cultivating virtuous qualities such as tranquility, peace, and radiance through mindfulness practices; and 4) wisdom development through the cultivation of knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills, using wisdom as a guiding principle for a fulfilling life. These study results provide a guideline for other educational institutions to apply Buddhist principles in developing effective programs for students to reduce and quit smoking.

Health Perception and Medication Adherence of Older Adults with Uncontrolled Hypertension

2024-02-20T09:02:57+07:00

The objectives of this mixe-method research were to explore health perception, medication adherence, and factors associated with medication adherence among uncontrolled hypertensive older adults in Don Ko Ka Subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. Quantitative data was collected from 85 older adults aged 60 years and over with uncontrolled hypertension, selected by purposive sampling. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with 20 older adults having medication non-adherence issues. Research instruments included a general information questionnaire, a health perception questionnaire, a medication adherence for hypertension questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview on health perception. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis.

The results revealed that the top three medication non-adherence problems were missing doctor appointments, forgetting to take medicines, and not taking medicines on time. Older adults had an overall high level of health perception (Mean = 3.68, S.D. = 0.36). Gender was associated with self-adjusting medication doses (p-value < 0.05). Age was associated with missing doctor appointments (p-value < 0.05). The duration of illness was associated with missing doctor appointments (p-value < 0.05) and medication non-adherence due to missed appointments (p-value < 0.05). Therefore, healthcare personnel should consider personal factors associated with medication adherence. Also, healthcare facilities should provide a pharmacist counseling system and regular medication education at the hospital.

The effectiveness of developing a mobile application for the self-assessment and prevention of dementia in at-risk elderly individuals

2024-01-31T09:45:24+07:00

The objectives of this research and innovation development were to develop and examine the effects of a mobile application for self-assessment and prevention of dementia in at-risk elderly individuals in Bang Len Subdistrict, Song Phi Nong District, Suphan Buri Province. Participants included 35 elderly individuals at risk of developing dementia. The research instrument was a mobile application for dementia prevention. Data collection tools included an effectiveness assessment form and a satisfaction assessment form for the mobile application. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation.

The results showed that the mobile application for dementia prevention, which consisted of two parts: self-assessment of cognitive function and self-rehabilitation to prevent dementia, including brain exercises, concentration training, brain-boosting diets, brain development based on the 4-step principle, creating a good environment, and brain training games, showed high effectiveness. The overall effectiveness of the mobile application in terms of feasibility, accuracy, appropriateness, and utility had the highest average score (Mean = 4.75, S.D. = 0.30). The overall satisfaction level with the application was also at the highest level (Mean = 4.85, S.D. = 0.36). This shows that this mobile application for dementia prevention is highly effective. Therefore, healthcare professionals or caregivers can efficiently use this mobile application for dementia prevention to promote self-rehabilitation and dementia prevention among the elderly.

Caring for Non-Communicable Diseases among the Karen Ethnic Group with Cultural Differences: Nurse’s Roles

2024-03-06T08:48:09+07:00

In Thailand, there is diversity in ethnicities. One of the largest ethnic groups is the Karen ethnic group, which primarily resides in highland or mountainous areas of Thailand, especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak. They have their own language, beliefs, wisdom, customs, and culture, leading to a distinctive way of life compared to Thai people living in flat areas. Over the past 5 years, the Karen ethnic group has seen an increase in the incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases. The objective of this academic article is to present the role of nurses in providing culturally appropriate health care for ethnic groups with diverse lifestyles. This aims to align nursing practices with cultural behaviors regarding dietary habits, physical activity, stress management, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and health service systems, impacting the healthcare of patients with non-communicable chronic diseases within ethnic groups. It adheres to the culturally congruent nursing care of the "Sunrise Model," based on the concept of Leininger (2002), and uses this framework to guide nurses in decision-making for selecting appropriate nursing interventions. These interventions include: 1) preserving care, 2) negotiating with the healthcare team regarding treatment, and 3) making overall nursing adaptations. This facilitates a nursing process that helps patients adapt their lifestyles to conform to the healthcare model established by the healthcare team.

Development of a Clinical Nursing Guideline for Preventing and Reducing Increased Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Using Evidence - Based Practice

2024-03-20T11:21:35+07:00

This article aims to propose a clinical nursing guideline for preventing and reducing increased intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury by using evidence - based practice. The clinical nursing guideline for preventing and reducing increased intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury consists of eight components: 1) name of the nursing guideline; 2) practice guidelines along with bibliographic references such as assessment and monitoring of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury, ensuring effective ventilation, increasing venous return from the brain, managing causes of increased intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal pressure, and monitoring laboratory results that reflect the tendency for increased intracranial pressure in brain injury patients; 3) scope of application of the guideline, including nurses and nursing students, etc; 4) procedures, such as explaining in meetings and presentations to clarify the objectives of using the guideline, etc; 5) recommendations, such as dissemination or implementation, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness; 6) evidence supporting the recommendations, such as assessing the ability to use the guideline and assessing the feasibility of using the guideline; 7) benefits and potential harms from implementing the recommendations from the guideline, such as benefits for brain injury patients, nurses and nursing students, and the organization; and 8) implementing the guideline for practicing nursing skills in clinics. Therefore, using the clinical nursing guideline for preventing and reducing increased intracranial pressure provides guidance for nurses or healthcare personnel, resulting in improved quality of care and better clinical outcomes for brain injury patients.